MY ACCOUNT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be living proof that life begins at 40 as the Swede continues to defy the ageing process.
The AC Milan star went viral this week as he shared videos of his Rambo-inspired workouts on social media while recovering from an Achilles injury — which at least proves he is human.
Managing eight Serie A goals in 15 games this season, Ibrahimovic is still bullying defences alongside fellow veteran Olivier Giroud, 35.
Ibra is the second oldest outfield player still active in Europe’s top five leagues behind Real Betis star Joaquin, who turns 41 three months earlier than him in July.
And Milan director Paolo Maldini claims the legendary goalscorer, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, is close to signing up for more.
He told DAZN: “Zlatan knows what he wants, he doesn’t fake anything. He knows what the possible agreement with Milan could be. If he doesn’t feel like continuing, he’ll be the first to say so.
“His idea is to continue. Zlatan will never be a burden on this team, but only a resource.”
As the Swedish sensation continues to battle back from injury, LiveScore look at four other players proving that age is just a number.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has been nothing short of amazing since he was launched into worldwide fame after joining Manchester United from Sporting in 2003.
Now back at Old Trafford after trophy-laden spells with Real Madrid and Juventus, the Portuguese superstar turned 37 this month and his contract with the English giants is set to end in 2023 with the option to extend by a further year.
If that is taken up, Ronaldo would turn 39 before the end of his deal but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has shown no signs of slowing down thanks to his diet and fitness regime, as well as having a cryotherapy chamber installed in his home.
Netting nine times in the league and providing three assists, the most capped European footballer of all time also scored crucial goals in the Champions League to help set up a last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid and powered home in last night’s win over Brighton.
Thiago Silva
Thiago Sliva is another golden oldie who will not be hanging up his boots any time soon after recently agreeing to extend his stay at Chelsea for another season.
With a trophy cabinet bursting after over a decade of success in European football with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian defender joined Chelsea on a free transfer in August 2020.
Following a slow start, the 37-year-old quickly established himself as a key cog in the Blues’ machine and played a crucial role in their Champions League triumph last season.
Silva is just five months older than Cristiano Ronaldo and his performances have sparked comparisons. Despite almost losing his career to tuberculosis in 2005, he has now invested in an oxygen chamber with the aim of playing beyond 40.
Showing that he is still on top of his game, the classy South American won the Golden Ball after a man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final win over Palmeiras.
Fernandinho
Fernandinho has played for Manchester City since June 2013 — winning four Premier League titles as the rock shielding the Citizens’ back four.
While Rodri has established himself as Pep Guardiola’s go-to, the 36-year-old has still played over 1,000 minutes for the best team in English football this season.
He has gone on to prove himself as one of Europe’s top operators in the anchor man role, and Jamie Redknapp has branded him the best holding midfielder in Premier League history — high praise when you consider he is up against the likes of N’Golo Kante and Claude Makelele.
Speaking after the rout of Norwich last weekend, the Sky Sports pundit said: “For me he’s the No1 defensive midfield player this country’s ever seen.
“He’s won 10 trophies since he’s been there and he’s just given a masterclass. He’s 36 years of age and we don’t know how much longer we’re going to be able to enjoy him for.
“Young players that want to play this role, just look at how he picks up great positions all the time.”
Luka Modric
Luka Modric has blown away all expectations in what has been a remarkable career for a player who was once considered to be too lightweight for the Premier League.
The Croatian midfield maestro is still a model of excellence for Real Madrid at 36 and last week suggested he may play until he is 40.
He said: “I don’t know when I’ll keep playing until, maybe about 40, we’ll see.
“I have to take it step-by-step, enjoy what I’m doing. I feel good physically, which is important, mentally as well. I’m at a huge club, the best club in the world without a doubt, and I’m working hard to keep my level as high as possible.
“We’ll see how long it is, but talking about years is difficult. I’m almost 37 and I feel great to be honest. I’ve worked outside of Valdebebas and the club’s facilities to find out where I can improve, where I can stay on top physically.”
Ex-Tottenham star Modric has won 17 major trophies in Madrid, including four Champions League titles, and also lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2018 — there could be more to come.
